John Joseph Lyons

The database page for John Joseph Lyons

"30 Years in Heaven" Then a..... son brother friend lover man soldier uncle Godfather cousin Now a..... loving memory and a hero Johnny (Beon) was all of the above and much more. His untimely death, at such a young age (21), greatly deprived so many people the joy of having him be a part of their lives. But we know that he is looking down at us from Heaven with his dad. Born on February 11, 1949 in Yonkers, New York to Richard and Catherine Lyons, he was one of six children. His siblings are Peter, Kathy Holowczak, Maureen Giorgi, Louise Dulak and Teresa DeMuro. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a Godson Glenn (who never had the privilege of meeting him). Johnny attended both Sacred Heart Elementary and High School in Yonkers. After graduation he was employed by the Western Electric Company on Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers. With the draft hanging over his head, he, along with one of his closest friends, John Holland, opted to boost their draft and enter the military on their own accord. He left Yonkers on February 5, 1969 just six days before his 20th birthday. After serving one year in the Army, the U.S. Military offered him the opportunity of an early discharge if he extended his tour in Viet Nam for six months. Johnny accepted the offer and continued to serve on active duty in Viet Nam until his death on April 2, 1970. He served with the 25th Infantry Division in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry. He was killed in Tay Ninh Province, South Viet Nam by a gun. He is classified as a ground casualty. The longest days spent were the days in between his death and the arrival of his body home. We wanted so much for his death to be a mistake and for the body escorted home by John Holland to belong to another poor family but unfortunately it wasn't and on April 5, 1970 we were forced to face the truth and begin the burial process. While it's been thirty years, our image of him remains the same. He is still a young, handsome, blond haired, blue-eyed man. That picture will never change except we now think of him as a young, handsome, blond haired, blue-eyed angel. Johnny's name can be found on Panel 12W - Row 083 on the Wall. Created by N. Cave 03/02/00 31 May 2005 In the 35 years that you've been gone from us, several family members have joined you, including my sister Carol. I know the two of you are watching over and keeping each other company until we all meet again. Love, Nancy Memorial Day - 2005 From a friend, Nancy nancy.cave@manhattan.edu

07 Nov 2003 Dear John ... you are missed every day by family and friends. For those of us who are your brother and sisters. We thank God for letting us have time with you. Your smile and wit will never be forgotten. Please watch over us all. Love from your brother Pete Lyons 13 Nov 2006 A Salute to a Soldier                 A Salute to a Soldier Written May 1970 A salute to a soldier who fought for this country, died for the U.S.A., and will live forever in the hearts of his dear ones. This person lived like others, but died in a questionable war. People said "Why are we there?" My answer is: Because we have to stop communism somewhere. To stop people who are wrong, other people get hurt. My brother was one who tried to do a job asked of him by the U.S. Army and he died trying. Other soldiers also died trying to stop communism in a country where your enemy talks with you during the day and fights you at night. For a soldier to be in Viet Nam he must be a special breed of man. All I can say is: I'm proud he did his job but sorry it cost him his life trying. I salute my brother and all soldiers who keep this country free for others to live in. The Brother of a Soldier From his brother, Peter P. Lyons 17 Marwood Drive, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601 petenlorraine@optonline.net

14 Dec 2004 From a fellow Wolfhound, B Co, 2/27, You were a great soldier and a good friend. You are still missed almost 35 years later. From a fellow soldier, Greg Duncan, USAR Ret. gduncan0114@msn.com

11 Feb 2007 Happy Birthday, Beon! Here's hoping 2007 is a good year for all. God bless and keep us smiling! Love, Lou From his sister. ldulak@optonline.net

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 02 Apr 1970 a recon team from F Company, 75th Rangers, was sent into an area called the "Renegade Woods" to investigate reports of a large NVA/VC force. The Rangers found the enemy - all they could handle and more besides. Companies B and C, 2nd Bn, 27th Infantry, were inserted as the initial reaction force; A/2/27 joined in the late afternoon, and two additional companies from 2/22nd Infantry came in the next day. By the time the fighting ended several days later, over 100 NVA/VA troops from the 271st NVA/VC Regiment were dead, a large base camp was in American hands, and twelve American soldiers were dead: 2nd Bn, 27th Inf Rgt CPL Dwight H. Ball, Sardis, OH, A Company (KIA 04/03/1970) SGT John J. Lyons, Yonkers, NY, B Company SSG William T. Smith, Marshfield, WI, B Company SGT Mickey E. Griffith, San Gabriel, CA, C Company SSG Melvyn H. Kalili, Hauula, HI, C Company 1LT Ronald V. Kolb, Washington, DC, C Company SGT John E. Rarrick, Beaver Dams, NY, C Company (Dist Svc Cross) CPL Severiano Rios, Oak Creek, WI, C Company F Co, 75th Inf Rgt SFC Alvin W. Floyd, Augusta, GA, (Dist Svc Cross) SSG Michael F. Thomas, Louisville, KY SGT Donald W. Tinney, New York, NY (DoW 04/14/1970) (Silver Star) B Btry, 2nd Bn, 77th Arty Rgt 2LT Orville E. Kitchen, Dayton, OH

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 02 Mar 2000
Last updated 08/10/2009